County News

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The Smith County Communications Office strives to promote transparency by providing the public with the most accurate, accessible and up-to-date information possible while promoting the county's brand and message of "Striving for Excellence."

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Tyler, Texas 75702

County News

Smith County Veterans Office Helps With Pension Changes

If you are a veteran receiving a pension, some of the rules have changed.

Smith County Veteran Services Officer Michael Roark said veterans or surviving spouses receiving a pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs no longer have to turn in an updated medical expense or financial status report every year, unless they are specifically told to do so by the VA.

Roark said his office was recently notified by the Texas Veterans Commission that the rule had changed. Unless you receive a letter from the VA requesting that you submit an updated medical expense or financial status forms, you no longer have to send them in each year, Roark said.

Roark said on January 2 that people had come to the Smith County Veteran Services Office to submit the forms. He said other changes made by the VA include changing the network ceiling of the pension system.

Roark encouraged veterans who have questions about any of the changes made by the VA to call his office at 903-590-2950.